Marco Island

Cradled by the Gulf of Mexico, the magical Marco Island lies to the southwest of Florida. Geographically, it is the largest of the famous Ten Thousand Mangrove Islands, a group of islands that has become the favorite of eco-adventurers. Marco Island has been considered as a world-class tourist destination but this reputation does not begin to describe the exquisite beauty of the long stretches of beaches and the incredible splendor of unspoiled nature. With only four miles across and six miles in length, Marco Island provides tourist with a wide variety of adventurous activities, including fishing, canoeing, and kayaking. The most recommended area to paddle canoes is in the southern end of Marco Island, the location of the Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve. There are about 150 species of birds in this area, including the majestic bald eagle. If tourists like to stay on land, they can enjoy collecting shells while soaking in the warmth of the sun of Marco Island's beaches. They can also go hiking and camping. The great thing about Marco Island is that the use of its areas for camping is free. The campers needed only to obtain a backcountry permit at least 24 hours before the scheduled camping. Besides all these adventures offered by Marco Island, there are also great places to dine and enjoy unforgettable gustatory delights. The restaurants in Marco Island specialize in seafood, such as shrimp, scallops, crabs, and various fishes. For art aficionados, there is also an art gallery featuring the works of Clyde Butcher, a renowned black-and-white fine art photographer.